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Happy International Women’s Day

Tomorrow is International Women’s Day. An opportunity to celebrate the great progress made by women in Irish society but also a chance to reflect on what needs to change and how each of us, as individuals and collectively can make a difference in our communities.

The Women’s Fund, at The Community Foundation for Ireland, was set up in 2010 and is a long term philanthropic fund, connecting women who care with causes that matter. The Women’s Fund fuels changes in our communities by supporting the most innovative and positive solutions to the issues facing women and girls today. Our mission is to encourage philanthropy among women, improve the lives of women through social change grant making and educate the entire community about the benefits to society when the potential of women is realised. When women prosper, entire communities succeed.

Recent events have led to growing concerns about accountability and transparency within some parts of the non profit sector. Through giving through The Women’s Fund at The Community Foundation for Ireland you can have peace of mind regarding all aspects of transparency and governance …. and that you will receive feedback on what outcome was achieved through your donation. In this ezine, you can find out more about how to get involved.

The impact of our funding

In round 4, November 2012, West Dublin Access Radio received a grant of €2,000 to provide Fetac Level 4 Training in Community Radio to a group of 15 young women in the Dublin 10 area. This project focuses on the empowerment of young women in a community context and will promote the social, political and economic inclusion of women in leadership roles at all levels of society

17 young women received national qualifications in Media Expression and are now equipped with the skills to make women’s radio programmes.

This project highlights the strong and varied selection of programming produced independently by participants including in areas such as The Abortion Debate, female comedy, women in sport, racism and bullying. It further emphasis the importance of ensuring the diversity of women’s voices and experiences are represented within the media, especially community media.

The Mayo Rape Crisis Centre

In round 3, March 2012, the Mayo Rape Crisis Centre was awarded €2,000 for a highly innovative project invloving 12 workshops/meetings focusing on men in the community as partners in empowering women and girls to stand up for themselves and report abuse and harassment as a means to recovery.

Obair Newmarket-On-Fergus Ltd

In round 2, 2011 Obair Newmarket-On-Fergus Ltd. in partnership with the local primary school and other organisations in the area was awarded €1,000 to support an outreach support service for school aged children that have experienced or lived through domestic violence. The specific focus of this project was on the prevention of domestic violence.

4 reasons why we need a Women’s Fund?

1. A catalyst for effective giving…
…encouraging women who are drawn to the idea of women joining together to engage in philanthropy (often for the first time) to help other women and providing know how and guidance as to how their donation can be invested wisely;

2. An investment in women and girls to benefit communities…
…the Women’s Fund focuses on women and girls because of the “ripple effect.” Research shows when you improve women’s equality, it improves economic and social conditions for everyone;

3. A resource for organisations dealing with women’s issues and causes on the ground…
…in the light of reducing public spending, many excellent organisations are struggling to make ends meet – it is critical that new sources of long term funding are made available to support their essential work;

4. A challenge to the status quo…
…even though women “have come a long way”, there are still some troubling challenges, including groups of women who are marginalised and vulnerable and women’s under representation in leadership roles in many strands of Irish society.

2. Attend one of our events
Let us know if you would like to attend our Opportunities for Philanthropy – Women and philanthropy Seminar which will take place in September 2014 for those with an interest in donating to the Women’s Fund. From time to time, we also arrange Seeing is Believing Visits to projects which have been supported by the Women’s Fund for donors and those with an interest in supporting the Fund.

3. Donation
Support the Women’s Fund directly by making a donation today or committing to making a monthly or annual contribution to the Fund. By including the Women’s Fund in your will, you will ensure that there is sustainable funding available to support causes of particular concern to women. For further information please click here to visit our website or contact Jackie Harrison on 018743818.

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About Fiona Kingston

Fiona Kingston is Head of Regional Sales for Ulster Bank Product & Service Sales in Area South. She is also Lead Ambassador for Ulster Bank's Business Women Can and is passionate about it!

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